AN: Sorry for the long wait. I've been sick, so I haven't felt like writing until recently. Head up: long chapter ahead. It's like 7,700 words. Idk what happened 😀
I also would like to say I know that this is most definitely not the way Krithika would react. This is purely for the plot of the story.
Also, here are (rough) photo references for later on in the story. The people in the photos aren't supposed to look like the characters, it's simple for the poses and the idea of what the photo would look like.
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photo #1 Brynne on the right, Aru on the left. Obviously, they're not in the city. It's just the basic pose I'm going for😭
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photo #2 Brynne on the bottom, Aru on top. Brynne obviously wouldn't be making eye contact with the camera, but whatever.
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"Mom," Aru said quickly. "I-I can explain."
"Who is this?" Krithika asked, gesturing to Aiden.
"I'm Aiden Acharya, ma'am. I moved in across the road earlier this summer." Aiden reached his hand over to invite her mom to shake it, but she just glared at him.
"Mhm, what are you doing with my daughter when you both should be in school?"
"Ma, don't take this out on him," Aru said. "He didn't do anything wrong. It was all me. He came running after me when I left school."
"Go to your room, Beta. I will take care of this," her mom demanded.
"No."
"What did you just say to me?" Krithika asked, turning her gaze to her daughter.
Aru took two small steps back, and her voice faltered. "I-I said no."
"It's fine," Aiden interrupted. "I'll go. I don't mean to cause any problems."
Winnie came strutting into the kitchen, and Aru cautiously leaned down to pick her up.
